Lombardiave staff going with the favorite today – Packers
With Greg Jennings out and Jordy Nelson questionable, do the Packers take Donald Driver off the shelf for this game against the Jaguars? Raymond T. Rivard photograph
The following are the staff picks for today’s Green Bay Packers game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ray Rivard: Look for Clay Matthews to have a huge day as he adds to his sack total against one of the worst teams in the NFL. The defense overall plays much better on this sunny Sunday at Lambeau Field. The Packers defense snares at least two picks, one by Casey Hayward, will get at least one defensive touchdown. Offensively, Aaron Rodgers will have another big day, despite not having Jordy Nelson. There will probably even be a Donald Driver sighting – maybe for a touchdown. Alex Green has his best day as a Packer and the offensive line begins to show signs of synchronicity. The game will be close through the first quarter, but the Packers get rolling on their third possession and don’t look back. Packers 38 Jaguars 12
Bill Walton: The Jaguars come into Green Bay with a record of 1-5. They’re missing RB Maurice Jones-Drew, who is their only legitimate offensive threat. QB Blaine Gabbert has a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Defensively the Jags rank in the bottom third of the AFC against the run and the pass, but more importantly their record reflects close losses to average teams and blowout losses to above-average teams. The Packers are an above-average team, and an oustanding offensive team. Even though Green Bay is missing several starters, the Packers are still dangerous enough offensively to win a track meet-style contest if it comes to that. We think the defense fills the holes, makes some tweaks, and performs well enough to keep the Jaguars from even getting close to pulling off an upset of the Packers.
Wife and CheeseMobile pilot Deneen sees this one going to the Packers 38-14. Son, nose tackle, and future Packers season-ticket holder John says it’ll be 41-17 Packers. After much scientific analysis I’m going with Packers 44-16.
We’ll be attending the watch party at Tailgator’s on 242 in The Woodlands, so if you’re looking for a place to watch the game and you don’t mind noisy Packers fans – join us! Go Pack GO!
Dan Turczynski: This is a game the Packers with thoroughly dominate. The Jaguars come into Lambeau as the worst team in the NFL with no hopes of pulling of the upset. My bold prediction is that Alex Green will become the Packers first 100-yard rusher since Brandon Jackson over two seasons ago. I also think the Packers have a good shot at their first shutout since 2010 when they shutout the Jets 9-0. Packers roll big at home 31-3.
Jason Hirschhorn: There’s been a lot of injured Packers in the news this week. Key injuries. I don’t think Charles Woodson’s absence is going to be a significant factor this week given the Jaguars’ limited offensive capabilities, but if Jordy Nelson isn’t active there could be rhythm and consistency issues with the offense. As great as Randall Cobb and James Jones have been, they’re not go-to-guys yet. This is why you stash Donald Driver all season. I don’t see this as the blowout it looks like on paper without Nelson, but I don’t think it’ll be too uncomfortable. Packers 24 – Jaguars 13
Tommy Marquardt: The Jaguars are near the bottom in both offense and defense whether it is the pass or the run. Ironically, they have played much better on the road than at home. With an apathetic fan base in Jacksonville, these guys have played with more heart when they are in a stadium filled with raucous fans, but this is Lambeau. JAX is without MJD and they have Blaine Gabbert at QB. The Packers haven’t put on a show at Lambeau yet this season and I expect the them to make a statement on both sides of the ball. Packers 45 Jags 7
Tim Thomas: The Packers are above .500 and take on one of the NFL’s worst teams, the Jacksonville Jaguars. One concern for the Packer, however, is the fact that on top of Greg Jennings being out for a few more weeks, Jordy Nelson is questionable for Sunday’s game but with it being the Jags, James Jones and Randall Cobb should be able to pick up the load. The Packers defense will receive a huge boost with the return of BJ Raji most likely as he is probable for Sunday’s game but Sam Shields remains out and with Charles Woodson having a broken collarbone, expect rookie Casey Heyward to start beside Tramon Williams. The Packers’ offensive line should be able to gain some confidence this week as the Jags are very weak on the defensive line. The Packers will have to watch out for Maurice Jones-Drew but Clay Matthews, AJ Hawk and the Packers front 7 should be able to contain MJD. This game will not be close and the Packers will cruise against the Jags.
Green Bay 38, Jacksonville 7